During a first-inning at-bat Thursday, Albert Pujols fouled a breaking pitch off his left ankle. He ended the plate appearance by grounding to second base. He limped noticeably running to first before slamming his helmet. Thursday's game was Pujols' second since sitting out Tuesday because of back stiffness. Pujols said after Wednesday's game that he continues to experience discomfort in his lower back. "It's pretty tough when it's in your back," he said. "When you swing, it's still going to bother you. It's still bad, but if I feel 65, 70 percent, I'm not going to sit down. I'm going to do the best I can to help my team win."